Greek, hand-vase clasping a lekythos

This fourth or fifth-century vase originates in a group known as 'plastic vases', including human figures, body parts, animals and birds. A hand clasps a lekythos, the mouth, neck and part of the body are visible. The whiteness and daintiness of the worn hand indicate a woman. The thumb is over the first two fingers and there is a gap between the small and third fingers. The hand vase rests on an oval base. This personal object was for use by a woman or in a her grave. It possibly contained perfumed oil. Many like this come from eastern Greece, particularly Rhodes, but also Corinth, Athens and the south Italian Greek colonies.